Lajna Imaillah U.S.A. is an active auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Movement
in Islam, and Allah has blessed its efforts in propagating Islam. By
the Grace of Allah, the number of women seeking the truth and accepting
Islam is rapidly increasing. One of Lajna Imaillah's responsibilities
is training and educating its members and therefore it was decided that
Lajna produce literature for this purpose.

The first such publication was a booklet called The Handbook for
Muslim Women produced by Lajna Imaillah in 1975, under then President
Rasheeda Saeed. However, by the beginning of the 1990's, it was apparent
that the original booklet needed to be revised and updated.

At the 1992 National Lajna Executive Meeting, the National President,
Amtul Hakim Abdullah, formed a committee to produce another booklet
that would help Lajna members, new converts, and women of our society
understand Islam and Ahmadiyyat. As committee Chairperson, Shakurah
Nooriah conducted the survey among all the Lajna members in the U. S.
A. for suggestions for the contents of this booklet. When the mass of
suggestions came back, the committee realized that a complete book would
be required to cover all the topics that Lajna members felt were important.
This book is the result of that survey. Alhamdolillah, all Praise belongs
to Allah.

All praise and gratitude belongs to Almighty Allah. May Allah accept
this humble effort and make it truly a useful tool for the training
and education of our members. Ameen.

FOREWORD

It is both sad and ironic that Islam which openly acknowledges the
truth and veracity of other faiths in their original form is distorted
and maligned, particularly in the West. Unfortunately some Muslim groups
contribute to this false image of Islam by misusing their faith to suit
and serve their own political and special agendas.

The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam
Ahmad, who claimed on Divine authority to be the Promised Messiah and
the World Reformer of the latter days, (as prophesied in the ancient
scriptures of all great religions), is engaged in removing the misunderstandings
about Islam. Thus Islam, contrary to general belief, does not permit
use of force as an instrument for the spread of its message.

Again, Islam recognizes that all religions have the right to claim
possession of some divine truth and different religions should teach
unity and tolerance rather than division and strife.

It is beyond the scope of this book to cover all that is unjustly contributed
to Islam, but Lajna Imaillah, a women's auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Movement,
presents in this book Islam's teachings on the role and status of women
in Islam, its marriage system, and its viewpoint on some other contemporary
issues.

The book, though primarily designed to be of special interest and guidance
to new converts, will also be of great interest to a wider audience.
This laudable effort of the Lajna is gratefully acknowledged and should
receive wide recognition.

M. M. AHMAD

Ameer Jamaat, U. S. A.

INTRODUCTION

Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahe wa barakatohu! May peace be with you
and the mercy and blessings of Allah.

Accepting Islam and joining the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is, undoubtedly,
the most important decision you will ever make. Therefore, Lajna Imaillah
U. S. A. (Maidservants of Allah), the women's auxiliary of the Ahmadiyyat
Muslim Community, has prepared this guide book hoping to make the transition
into Islam and our community a blessed and successful endeavor.

This book may also serve as an introduction to those seeking more information
about Islam but are not yet ready to make a commitment. This book is
not intended to be a comprehensive work on Islam but rather a guide
to answering the questions and clearing up some of the confusion faced
by new Muslims and those encountering Islam for the first time. It lists
Ahmadiyya Muslim educational resources so that anyone seeking knowledge
may tap into them and drink deeply from the fountain of Islam's beauties.

Outstanding among those resources are the Holy Qur'an with the five-volume
commentary, Hadith (Sayings of the Holy Prophet), books of the Promised
Messiah and the Friday sermons of the International Head of the Ahmadi
Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad. You may view those sermons
broadcast by satellite T.V. on Fridays, subscribe to the service of
receiving the audio cassettes or borrow them from a local mosque.

Please take comfort that around you are others who were once seekers
and new Muslims and understand your feelings. There are also those who
were born into Ahmadiyyat Islam and consider your thirst for knowledge
of God and His Message a great blessing. Please do not feel shy about
asking questions and requesting help.

Along with the reading of this book, it is also recommended that you
have a mentor on whom you can rely for assistance in learning prayers
and Arabic. Feel free to call upon local Lajna members or the president
of the local community.

Ultimately, we Muslims place our trust in Allah Almighty and turn to
Him for guidance and help. Indeed, the worship of the Creator and Sustainer
of All the Worlds is the endeavor from which we derive the greatest
benefit. And it is that common striving that unites the diverse elements
of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

We pray you will derive benefit from this book and that Allah Almighty
will guide you on the right path. Ameen.